The long Purple Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is a variety of eggplant known for its long, slender, and deep purple-colored fruit. It has a delicate, mild flavor and is a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. It is a warm-season vegetable that is well-suited for planting in the late spring or early summer and takes around 70-80 days to reach maturity.
To grow Long Purple Eggplant, you will need:
- Well-drained, fertile soil
- Full sun
- Eggplant seeds or seedlings
- Supporting structures, such as trellis or cages
Growing Instructions:
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Start seed indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date or sow seed directly into the ground after the last frost.
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Transplant seedlings to the garden after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. Space the plants about 2-3 feet apart.
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Water the eggplant regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
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Fertilize the eggplant with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.
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Keep the eggplant free of weeds and remove any diseased or damaged leaves to help prevent disease.
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Provide support to the plants, such as a trellis or cage, to keep the fruit off the ground
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Harvest the eggplant when the fruit is glossy and firm, and the skin is shiny.
Chart:
Week | Task |
---|---|
1-4 | Start seeds indoors or sow seed directly into the ground after the last frost date |
4-6 | Transplant seedlings to the garden or direct-sow seeds into the garden |
6-8 | Water the eggplant regularly, keep the soil consistently moist |
8-12 | Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer |
12-16 | Keep plants free of weeds and remove any diseased or damaged leaves |
16-18 | Provide support to the plants, such as a trellis or cage, to keep the fruit off the ground |
70-80 | Harvest the eggplant when the fruit is glossy and firm, and the skin is shiny. |